There are gigs that entertain, and then there are gigs that permanently etch themselves into the cultural memory. On the first day of June, the Royal Albert Hall played host to the latter. Billed as a one-off charity event in support of Lulu’s Mental Health Trust, Lulu Live was a momentous celebration of the Scottish icon’s glittering six-decade career. What transpired under the venue’s famous domed ceiling was an energy-filled masterclass in showmanship – with a little help from some very special friends.
As soon as I entered, one thing stood out: Lulu had a very intentional audience. Some gigs, you go and you know some people are there as plus ones, others have snagged a last minute ticket to fill their evening. Not at Lulu Live. Families, couples, and friendship groups had made an evening of it. Think: vibrant outfits, showing up early to have a drink together, and getting seated well before the show began.
The evening began with a glimpse into the future of pop. Opening the night was Gcielle, a rising singer-songwriter making her Royal Albert Hall debut on the very same evening she released her shimmering new single, “Rome.” Reflecting influences from Tina Turner, Sade, and more, Gcielle had spent years quietly building towards this moment and this is just the beginning for her.
But the night, of course, belonged to the legend that is Lulu and her incredible six-decades on stage. From her explosive teen hit “Shout” to a soaring, hushed rendition of “To Sir, With Love” – dedicated to her late co-star Sidney Poitier – the 77-year-old Scot’s setlist was a flawless walk down memory lane. She even treated the audience to a stunning performance of “The Man Who Sold the World,” honouring the late David Bowie, who famously produced her 1974 cover and once told her she had a remarkable voice and deserved a hit.
What elevated the night from a nostalgic retrospective to a genuinely historic event was the sheer calibre of her guests. A standout moment arrived with Australian Eurovision contender Delta Goodrem, dazzling in a full-length sparkling pink gown. Goodrem joined Lulu for a joyful rendition of the 1969 Eurovision-winning track “Boom Bang-a-Bang,” before delivering a breathtaking solo performance of her own 2026 Eurovision entry, “Eclipse.” Her voice was absolutely impeccable and time felt still as she filled the cavernous hall.
Boy George made an appearance in sparkling silver trainers for a duet of Culture Club’s “Karma Chameleon,” turning the arena into a joyous, communal singalong. But the emotional climax of the evening – and perhaps the decade – was still to come.
Gary Barlow took to the piano for a moving duet of “A Million Love Songs,” before leaving the stage to make way for his former bandmate. Robbie Williams, whom Lulu fondly recalled knowing since his teenage years, joined her for a soaring rendition of “Angels.” The sight of Lulu and Robbie sharing vocals and dancing together was enough to send the crowd into a frenzy.
Then, the unthinkable happened. Barlow returned to the stage, reuniting with Williams and Lulu to perform their 1994 No. 1 hit, “Relight My Fire.” It marked the first time the trio had performed the track live together in 15 years, and the first time Robbie and Gary had shared a stage in a decade. Sharing verses and bowing down to the Scottish legend between them, the three turned the Royal Albert Hall into a towering inferno of pure pop euphoria. It was a big climax of singing, dancing, and sheer, uncontainable joy – the entire audience on their feet, transfixed.
Despite the iconic roster of names that graced the stage, the night felt easy and intimate – like an evening with friends you’ve known all your life. No one brought their ego to the stage. Each person showed up bringing a sense of joy and warmth. And, that is very difficult to emulate.
From the start of her journey in Glasgow to becoming the pinnacle of British music history, Lulu has always been a force of nature. Lulu Live saw her do exactly that: set the entire Royal Albert Hall ablaze.
Words by Beril Naz Hassan
